Friday June 23rd
Today is your last day to work on your star stories!
Remember you must turn in 3 pieces by the end of the class:
Research on each stage
Your story
Works cited
All stories are due by the end of the period.
Wednesday June 21st
Today in science we will be workshopping our first drafts of our star stories. You will be working with another group read and reviewing their story to make sure it meets all requirements
You should:
Read your other group's story
Grade/Comment on their story using the sheets provided.
Take turns discussing one another's stories (strengths, room for improvement, etc.)
Monday June 19th
For science today you should be focused on your first draft of your star story.
Make sure you:
Have story elements (characters, conflict, dialogue, etc)
Include scientific language that explains the process your star is going through
Have your background info (see project sheet) on each star stage
Cited sources
I am extending the rough draft deadline to the beginning of class this Wednesday 6/21.
Please make sure you come to class with a completed first draft of your story.
Thursday June 15th
We will continue working on our Star Stories today.
We will look at a good example of how to build a story and then I will be meeting with groups individually to discuss your pitches from yesterday.
Wednesday June 14th
In science today you will continue to plan/work on your star stories.
The formal proposal for your project is due today:
By the end of the day you must share with me a one paragraph (at least) "pitch" for your project
Should be written in complete sentences
Should explain in detail how you plan to tell your story
Give an overview of the process, materials, and tactics you will use
Allow me to 'see' your vision
Monday June 12th
Today in science we will be:
Discussing our star project further
Looking at some relevant analogies to the project
Working with our partner to research and begin planning our stories
By the end of the period I need a piece of paper with the following information from each group:
Name of group members
Name of star chosen
Size of star relative to our sun
Stages the star has/will go through (Nebula, Protostar, Main Stage, etc.)
How you plan to present your story
If you are going to use an analogy explain briefly your analogy
Friday June 9th
For science today we will begin by completing the "Star in a box" activity we started yesterday.
Wednesday May 31st
Today in science we will continue to discuss the big bang theory and look at how the universe was formed.
We will be using the following images and links to help us visualize this theory.
First here is an image to help us understand the size of the universe we are talking about: Earth vs. Universe
Then we use this image and the following links to explore the big bang theory:
Link one - for class OPEN FIRST:
Link two - open only after we've finished our activity and notes:
If we have time we will look at some alternative theories together using the image below:
Wednesday May 25th
For science today we will be conducting a scavenger hunt on campus to find some of the different categories of energy we've been looking at.
If you are your partner finish early please open the following link and select an article on energy to read. ENERGY TRANSFORMATION ARTICLES
For the article you pick on a loose sheet of paper :
Summarize the article in 2-3 sentences
Explain what kind of energies your article deals with (mechanical, chemical, thermal, etc.)
Find at least three new vocabulary words to you and define them
Write two new things you learned from the article
Monday May 22nd
Today in science we will be continuing our look into classifications of energy and how it can be converted from one form to another.
We will be working with the following virtual lab: ENERGY CONVERSION
Please complete the handout in class using the activity in the link.
All Lab Analysis' for your solar thermal heaters are due tonight (5/22) before 11:00 p.m.
Friday May 19th
For science today we will be:
Looking deeper into the many types of energy
Explore how energy is converted from one form to another
Work on our lab analysis for our Solar Thermal Heaters
Below is the link you will need to complete today's assignment:
Wednesday May 17th
In science today we will continue with our data analysis from your solar thermal heaters.
You will be completing your graphs on Spreadsheets. These should include:
A bar graph and a line graph comparing your's and another group's data
A commentary on which type of graph is more effective
Annotation with qualitative data to explain trends in graph
All documents (Google Doc and Spreadsheet) need to be shared with me by the end of the period.
We will also begin your individual Comparative Analysis and Reflection.
Here is the outline for what needs to be included:
Wednesday May 10th Everyone's Persuasive Argument document should be shared with me by now.
Today for science you will have the opportunity to:
Finish the construction of your water heater
Test your design, locations, etc.
Make adjustments
We will conduct the official test (if we have sun) during class tomorrow.
Monday May 8th
For science today you will be working on constructing your Thermal Solar Heaters and drafting your individual persuasive arguments for your design.
We will begin testing (sun permitting) this Wednesday May 10th,
Your persuasive argument on why your design is the best is also due at the beginning of class on Wednesday (Individual).
Your argument should include:
An overall detailed explanation of your design
The thought process behind your design.
A explanation of each aspect of the design and the purpose it serves.
An argument for how/why your design will achieve the three objectives (Highest temp, Fast heating, Maintaining Temperature)
Be written in complete sentences with scientific language and correct grammar
These should be written in a Google Doc and shared with me before class on Wednesday May 10th.
Friday May 5th
For science today we will be finishing our Thermal Solar Heater designs and writing a hypothesis on how and why it will work.
Due at the end of the period:
Blueprint of Thermal Solar Heater design:
A detailed/professional drawing of your design.
A list of needed material.
A brief explanation of how to construct it.
Hypothesis:
In the "If _ then because _." form.
Detailed predictions for: rate of heating and final temperature.
These should be handed in as a physical copy with each group members' name on it by the end of class.
Thursday May 4th
Today in science:
We will have a mini-quiz on the energy sources we learned about during our presentations
Then we will review what makes a good hypothesis.
And you will have the end of the period to work on the your research and design for your Solar Thermal Water Heaters.
Wednesday May 3rd
For science today we will be:
Finishing our final two energy presentations.
Looking further into thermal solar energy.
Introducing a hands on project to finish our energy unit.
Please take notes as we go over solar thermal energy design.
Below is the project sheet for our thermal solar project:
Today we will be finishing our presentations on our energy sources.
Remember to take good notes and use your note taking strategies:
Summarize
Use key words/phrases
Don't copy word for word
Abbreviate longer words
You should be focusing on: The how (does the energy sources work), the where (where can we find the energy), and the why (do we need it? why is it a reliable or non-reliable source?)
Thursday April 27th
You will be presenting your information on your energy sources today during class.
Everyone will have the first 15 minutes of class to finalize their presentations. Please make sure you can connect at least one of your members' computers to the projector if you need it.
We will have a quiz on the information covered in these presentations next week so make sure you take good notes!
Wednesday April 26th
Today is your last day to work on creating your group presentations for your energy source.
By now you should have:
Gathered all of the information you need
Compared/contrasted your information with your group members
Decided how you want to present your information
Created an outline or a plan for your presentation
Today should be spent finishing your visuals, scripts, etc. for your presentation and practicing with your group.
Monday April 24th Everyone should have their individual questions/works cited shared with me at this point.
Today in science you will be working with your groups (the students who had the same energy source as you) to plan and create your presentations
As you are planning/preparing your presentation I challenge you to try something new. If you normally do a Google slide or Prezi try getting more creative by doing a skit, making a video, or finding a new online program to present your information with.
Use your individual question answers as a guide, but DO NOT simply present each answer for your presentation. You should take that information and make a presentation that naturally covers that information.
Friday April 21st
During science today:
Your individual research questions & works cited page in MLA are due at the end of the period
Remember you must have AT LEAST 2 EBSCO sources included.
For those that complete their research questions you may begin planning and preparing for your group presentation.
ALL groups will present on Wednesday (April 26th)
Thursday April 20th
Today in science you will be working to finish your individual research on the energy source you were assigned.
Remember you must:
Answer the following questions in complete sentences
Recorded your sources in MLA format
Include at least 2 EBSCO sources.
Make sure answers are in your own words.
How can you generate your type of energy?
How can you use it (give examples)?
What are examples of sources for this type of energy?
What is the history of this type of energy (ex. when was it first used by man, and how has that evolved as time has gone on)?
How important is this type of energy in our society? Why?
What dangers and precautions are associated with this type of energy?
What are the benefits of this type of energy?
Is this type of energy renewable?
What type(s) of energy can this energy be converted to?
Do we use this type of energy in Costa Rica? If so, give examples.
Could we live without this type of energy? Why or why not?
What percentage of world wide energy used is this type?
These questions are the minimum requirement. You may also include any additional information you find that would be relevant to include in your presentation.
Wednesday April 19th
For science today we will be starting our new energy theme.
We will be talking about what energy is and the many different types of energies.
Once we have completed our notes you will begin researching your assigned energy and will start to answer your individual questions.
Below is the sheet for the introduction mini-project, the rubric, and the energy assignments:
Ale - Coal
Amanda- Natural Gas
Bella- Petroleum
Cata- Wind
Dilan - Solar
Elena - Geothermal
Eliya - Biomass
Emerson - Hydroelectric
Grace - Nuclear
Jimena - Coal
Julie - Natural Gas
Kati - Petroleum
Luca - Wind
Marissa - Solar
Mayla - Geothermal
Jean- Biomass
Nicolle - Coal
Dani - Natural Gas
Rachel - Nuclear
Rafa - Petroleum
Stacy - Hydroelectric
Fano - Wind
Sydney - Biomass
Monday March 20th
Today in science you will be researching a disease that affects the circulatory and respiratory system.
This is individual work:
You will pick ONE of the following diseases to research:
Lung Cancer
Hypertension
Coronary Artery Disease
Sickle-Cell Anemia
For the disease you pick, please create a Google Doc that includes the following information:
Causes of the disease - what leads to it (exp. Smoking, stress, high salt diet etc.)
General symptoms - How do doctors recognize it, how does it affect someone who has it.
How it affects individual parts of the circulatory/respiratory system - be detailed and use scientific vocabulary we have covered. (Don't write: "Hurts the lungs" Instead write: "Destroys much of the cilia in the bronchial of the lungs which allows more unfiltered toxins to reach the aveoli") YOU SHOULD INCLUDE INFO ON HOW YOUR DISEASE AFFECTS ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
Heart
Lungs
Arteries
Veins
Capillaries
Cures or any methods to lessen the impact of the disease - what are the treatments for your disease.
Any other relevant facts - History, percentage of people it affects, new breakthroughs in treatment, etc.
All of your information needs to be in your own words. Any document with copy & pasted material will receive a zero!
Please also include a list of your source as part of your document (does not need to be in MLA)
If you somehow finish early you may use the remainder of the period to work on your portfolio.
Friday March 17th
For science today you will have a work day. You may decide to focus on:
Your portfolios.
Any work you are behind on.
Any make-up work you need to finish.
Thursday March 16th
Today we will be presenting our lesson plans to the third grade!
Thursday March 9th
Today in science you will begin research on a topic to the circulatory/respiratory system. Your goal is to teach your topic to the 3rd grade class next week. Below is the assignment sheet with the details and calendar:
You may also use any of the sites we have looked at over the last couple of weeks.
Monday March 6th
To start class today we will work on finishing up our blood pressure labs from Friday.
Please work to you best ability to finish the lab quickly but completely.
We will then take a more in depth look at the lungs, capillaries, and the process of diffusion.
Please refer to the following links for the information necessary for today's class:
Today we will be looking deeper at what elements can affect the health of our circulatory system.
The easiest measurement of the circulatory system's health is blood pressure.
When our blood pressure is too high it is called hypertension, which can cause all kinds of problems in the body.
We will be completing the following lab in order to better understand blood pressure and what might affect it.
You will have most of the period today and Wednesday to work on your stories. The final product will be due this Thursday: March 2nd.
Friday Feb. 24th
In science today we are going to continue our exploration into the circulatory and respiration systems of the human body.
Please explore the following link individually: BODY SYSTEMS!
Thursday Feb. 23rd
Today we will be taking a look into the heart and lungs.
We will model how large the lungs surface area is: 100 square meters!
We will also talk further about how the heart and lungs interact.
Wednesday Feb 22nd
Due today:
ALL CALL TO ACTION LETTERS & SANTA ROSA REFLECTIONS SHOULD BE SHARED TO ME.
We will be using the first part of our science block to take our class pictures. All forms and money need to be submitted to me at the beginning of class.
For the second half of the period we will look at an introduction to the heart.
We will take our heart beats to find our BPM.
Once you have your BPM open the following link and click through the interactive activity and take notes: INTERACTIVE HEART ACTIVITY
Your notes should include:
A detailed description/map of the path blood takes through the heart
Any questions about key terms or concepts you have
3-4 interesting facts about the heart
How many liters your heart pumped while completing the activity
Monday Feb. 20th
In science class today we will be:
Looking at the format your "Call to Action" letters should be in.
Reflecting on our trip to Santa Rosa.
Completing a checklist to make sure your letters include everything that is required.
Please follow this link and make a copy of the document to reflect on our field trip: SANTA ROSA REFLECTION
Here is the word document with the correct format for your letter. Please open as a reference and follow along as we discuss in class:
Final draft of your "Call to Action" letter due this Wednesday Feb. 20th at the beginning of the period.
Wednesday Feb. 8th
Today in science we will be focusing on our "Call to Action" letters.
Here are the steps you should be following for today:
Research your issue (remember to note your sources for citation)
Stats/data that highlight seriousness of problem
Expert opinions that support your opinions/claim
Find example of a time a solution similar to yours was used effectively
Finish "Call to Action" graphic outline (include your evidence/research)
Begin drafting letter
I will continue conferencing with students about their outline as you work on your research.
Homework: Complete Call to Action letter outline (organizer) and write Intro paragraph for your draft.
Monday Feb. 6th
For science today we will be working on our practice persuasive paragraphs. Please be sure to read the sample letter and required format from Fridays post before beginning. You will pick you topic, from the list below or think of your own. Every one's practice persuasive letter should have at least 7 sentences (see format below).
If you finish your letter early, or have already written it, you should continue to work on your call to action ecosystem letter outline after conferencing with me.
Once you have your outline approved by me you may begin the first draft of your letter.
Homework: Complete your persuasive letter for your school topic following the required format. Share with me before class on Wednesday.
Friday Feb. 3rd
Today we will continue our ecosystem project presentations:
We will hear presentations from:
Cloud Forest (group)
Tropical Dry Forest
Paramo
Magrove/Swamp
Please be sure to give each group your full attention and continue to fill out your grading sheets.
Make sure you have shared your documents and/or physical items of your project with me.
Once you have completed your reflection look over the following prompts and choose one to write a persuasive paragraph about:
We should be allowed to choose where we sit in class.
The school should build a performing arts theater on campus.
La Paz should have a surf team.
Dress down day should be twice a week.
Snack time should be longer.
I would like for you to write your letter in a Google doc titled 8YourName Persuasive Letter
Below is the format and a good example letter. Please follow this same format in your letter:
Top right: Address of sender Top left: Address of recipient
Dedication line: (Dear ........, )
Sentence 1: Introduce yourself.
Sentence 2: Introduce your topic and your opinion on topic.
Sentence 3: Give a reason for your topic.
Sentence 4: Explain your opinion
Sentence 5: Give another reason for your topic.
Sentence 6: Provide supporting examples (other opinions or people that agree/did something similar)
Sentence 7: Ask for action.
Sincerely,
Your Name
4740 Bauer Road Brighton, MI 48116125 South Church St...
Thursday Feb. 2nd
ECOSYSTEM PRESENTATIONS!
Today you will presenting our ecosystem presentations.
The order we will present in is as follows:
Tropical Rainforest
Cloud Forest (Group)
Coral Reef
Estuary
Paramo
Tropical Dry Forest
Cloud Forest (Rachel)
Mangrove/Swamp
Please remember to speak slowly and clearly, have each group member contribute, be detailed, and maintain a good pace during your presentations.
Friday Jan. 25th
Today in science we will be looking at parts of a sample "Call to Action" letter to prepare for writing our own letters next week.
You will be divided into groups and each given a portion of a sample letter.
If you have sample A-D you will be answering:
What is the main idea of your section?
What is it's purpose (what is it trying to do)
What strategies does it use to meet this purpose?
Where in the letter is the best place for your section? (beginning, middle, end). Why?
If you have sample E you will be answering:
What do you notice about the general structure of the letter?
Identify a few ways that citations are used in the letter.
Create a general outline for the letter identifying each paragraph and it's purpose.
Assign groups:
GROUP 1
GROUP 2
GROUP 3
GROUP 4
1A Ale
2A Amanda
3A Bella
4A Cata
1B Elena
2B Dilan
3B Eliya
4B Emerson
1C Grace
2C Jimena/Fano
3C Kati
4C Julie
1D Mayla
2D Marissa
3D Luca
4D Jean/Sydney
1E Rafa
1E Nicolle
1E Stacy
1E Dani
Wednesday Jan. 24th
Today we will be looking into pollution and threats to ecosystems and the animals that can help tell us how healthy an ecosystem is.
You will complete this lab and the questions that accompany it for the beginning of class: INDICATOR SPECIES
If you finish early and have time to work on your projects you should take a look at the following checklist to make sure your group is on track:
Should be done:
Climate
Map
Info on Plant & Animals
Visual Representation of Plants & Animals in ecosystem
Should be finishing up:
Food web
Visual version of food web
Containing at least 3 food chains that are 4 species long
Accurate transfer of energy (feeding order)
All transfers of energy (feeding) represented
Starting to focus on:
Research environmental concerns or conservation efforts for species and/or habitats of your eco system.
Need enough information of both (threats & conserve efforts) to write "Call to action letter"
Find specific figures, major changes, endangered species, worldwide threats, etc. to use as evidence.
Monday Jan. 23rd
In science today we will be continuing on our research for our ecosystem project.
You should be finishing up your research on plants and animals and moving on to building your food web today. Remember your food web needs to include at least 3 food chains with at least 4 levels.
Please work efficiently and make sure you are communicating with any absent group members (or the other way around) to make sure they are continuing to do their part.
Friday Jan. 20th
Today in science:
Work on finishing research of species in your ecosystem and human impact (See detailed instructions from yesterday's post)
Design and create visual presentation of plants and animals
Begin thinking about food chains that you will include in your ecosystem food web (your web needs to include at least 3 food chains)
Thursday Jan. 19th
Today in science will have the day to work on you ecosystem projects.
Your groups should be done with the climate and map aspect of the project by now.
Today you should be working on:
Research Plants & Animals
Location in ecosystem (ponds, in the canopy etc.)
Level in food chain (producer, first level consumer, second level consumer etc.)
Diet (what it eats or what eats it)
Abundance in ecosystem (Endangered, flourishing, scattered?)
Human impact
What is the human impact on your ecosystem?
What is threatening it
If you can't find info specific to your park, reef, estuary etc. talk about your ecosystem in general (worldwide)
Wednesday Jan. 18th
For science today we are going to be doing a little more practice with food chains through a virtual lab.
Please refer to the class instructions and hand out to help you understand the lab.
If you finish early you may spend the remainder of the period doing research for your ecosystem projects.
Monday Jan. 16th
Today we will spend the majority of class working on your group projects. For today you should:
Be finished or finishing up on climate info and your maps
Begin research on animals, plants, and human impact within you ecosystem.
Come up with a description (physical and behavioral) of each.
Decide on how you will present your information and create an outline or rough draft.
Friday Jan, 13th
In science today we will be looking at the concept of keystone species and learning how to identify whether a species is a keystone in an ecosystem.
Please read the following article and refer to the food webs below for the class activity:
Once we cover the requirements for the project and decide groups you should use the rest of the period completing the research for the first part of the project:
Overview of Climate and important landforms in ecosystem
Location
Create a map of your specific ecosystem
Find at least 2 pictures to include in your map to enhance understanding
Wednesday Jan. 11th
For science today we will be looking over a few of the food chains we created last period and discussing them.
We will also work to create one giant food web for the African Savanna together.
Please open the following document and research you assigned species from the list below:
Monday Jan. 9th
Today in science we will continue our discussion of certain animals roles in an ecosystem by examining the ecosystem of the African Savannah.
You notes should include the definitions of the following terms:
Community
Food Chain
Food Web
Trophic levels
Detritivores
Scavengers
One you have completed your notes. You should begin a sketch of the African Savanna Ecosystem that includes:
Abiotic features
Landscape
6 appropriate species in a multi-trophic level food chain.
If you finish early look over the following extended list of African Savanna species and begin thinking of how they might fit into a more complex food web:
Wednesday Jan. 4th
Today in science we will be begin looking into ecosystems!
Spark: What is an eco-system? What are some examples?
We will look at several types of ecosystems and discuss what some key aspects of an ecosystem are.
In groups you will complete a scavenger hunt around campus to identify parts of our surrounding ecosystem.
Wednesday Nov. 30th
Today is performance day for your songs! Each group will perform their rewritten song for the class.
After the performances if we still have time we will explore the following link: MOLECULARIUM
Monday Nov. 21st
Today we will start our last project of the trimester. Please refer to the handout for details and requirements.
I will also provide a wonderful example for you of a successful presentation.
Friday Nov. 18th
This week we have been focused on the two types of bonding that can occur between two or more atoms:
Covalent & Ionic bonds.
Today we will review our speed dating bonding activity from yesterday and look at how to better express bonds between atoms.
If you finish our classwork early you may explore the following link:
Friday Nov. 11th
Today we will finish the last element presentation. We will then begin looking into covalent bonding.
Please refer to the link below in order to complete the handout for class.
Friday Oct. 21st
We will be doing research today about our Santa Rosa topics for our brochures in groups. Please use your time wisely and make sure you are collecting reliable and relevant information.
Remember this is your main day to research. Also, you need AT LEAST one EBSCO source.
Thursday Oct. 20th
Today we will be looking at the details of the Santa Rosa project that we will be completing in the next couple of weeks.
Please review the Project Overview and Rubric below:
Wednesday Oct. 19th
Today we are going to be practicing and performing the wind and temperature dances that we started on Friday.
Each group should perform and make sure their dance is at least 1 minute. Be Creative!
We will also begin looking at our next project based around the Santa Rosa National Park.
Thursday Oct. 14th
We will start class today by finishing the video we watched on Wednesday and completing our notes. We will also be working on a virtual lab.
Tuesday Oct. 12th
Today we will be conducting the interview with the artist who makes sustainable sculptures in order to raise awareness about pollution.
Below is the list of question we came up with and the person assigned to ask each one.
What’s the inspiration behind your work? - Luca
a. Do dragons/animals have a special meaning for you? - Nicolle
b. What made you decide to focus on this type of art? – Rachel
How much trash do you use for each sculpture? - Amanda
a. How much time does it take to collect the garbage for each piece? - Grace
How much time did it take to make each piece? - Jean
Is there a specific place you find your trash? – Sydney
a. Why did you pick that place? - Mayla
b. What do you do with the leftover trash? - Bella
What was your first piece you made and how long ago did you make it? - Stefano
When you start sculpting do you already know what you’re going to make or does it change as you make it? – Marissa
a. Can you briefly describe your process? – Emerson
Please take notes during the interview and be prepared to discuss afterwards.
Thursday Oct. 6th
Today we will be reviewing the hurricane investigation we did on yesterday. We will then look into the causes and effects of climate change.
Below is a basic virtual climate model we will be using during class: CLIMATE MODEL
You have choice of these articles and five response questions to answer. Please choose 2 articles to read and answer the questions for both:
1. Is this article related to the causes or the effects of climate change, or both? Explain why.
2. What is one new thing you learned from the article?
3. What type of climate zone(s) would be most effected by the issues discussed in the article? Why?
4. Write and define two words from the article that you were not familiar with before.
5. Did you enjoy this article? Why or why not?
Wednesday Oct. 5th
HURRICANES!
We will be looking at the conditions that create a hurricane, how hurricanes collect and maintain their power, and the effects that they can have.
Below is a sheet with some facts about hurricanes:
Use this sheet and the live map to help answer the questions on your handout.
When you complete the weather and climate activity open this link : WORLD MAP
Instructions for World Map Assignment:
Create a new Google Doc and title it: 8_YourName_WorldWeather
Share the Google Doc with me.
Use the World Map link and choose:
2 cities on the same latitude
2 cities on the same longitude
For each city put the following information in your Google Doc:
City's Name, Country's Name
Approximate Longitude and Latitude
One photo that shows the landscape of the city
Today’s high and low temperature
Today’s chance of precipitation (%)
Today’s humidity (%)
Research what climate zone it is in.
Wednesday Sept. 28th
Today we will finish the presentations for our weather instruments.
Once everyone has completed their presentations you and your group member(s) will compare the data you collected with your instrument with the meteorologists data on Weather Underground
You will:
Open your reflection from the project
At the end of your reflection: Write your measurements side by side with the WU measurements
Find the range (if possible)
Explain if your measurements were accurate.
Tell why or why not. (In paragraph form)
Explain how you could make sure they were more accurate in the future.
Homework: Please complete the assignment we started in class. Compare your data with Weather Underground data and add it to your reflection.
Monday Sept. 26th
Presentation Day!
All groups should have turned in or shared the following:
1 Weather Instrument.
1 Google Doc with research/methods/data presentation
1 presentation materials per group (powerpoint, poster, lyrics, script, etc.),
1 individual reflection. (one reflection per group member)
You will have the first 10 minutes of class to prepare/practice your presentations.
We will then begin presenting in the following order.
1: Thermometer - Alessandro, Sydney, Stacy
2: Barometer - Rachel, Bella
3. Anemometer - Eliyah, Dilan
4: Wind Vane - Stefano, Jimena
5: Rain Gauge - Rapha, Jean
6: Thermometer - Amanda, Mayla
7: Barometer - Cata, Elena
8: Anemometer - Grace, Kati
9: Wind Vane - Julie, Luca
10: Rain Gauge - Nicolle, Dani, Marissa
Friday Sept. 22nd
Today you will be working on finishing your Google doc, your table & graph and planning/practicing your presentation for Monday.
Your presentation may be:
Poster
A song/rap
Powerpoint
A skit
Other (Get Creative!)
All presentations should include:
What your weather instrument is
Brief explanation of how you built your instrument
Explanation and/or demonstration of how your instrument works.
How it is used by meteorologists
Presentation of data (Graph/Table)
Analysis of data
Whether your instrument worked effectively, why or why not.
You will also turn in one individual reflection per group member (everyone will answer these questions, and turn it in to me using well-written, complete sentences in paragraph form, making sure to answer all the questions):
Reflect on the process of making your instrument.
What was easy?
What was challenging?
What was something new that you learned?
What would you do differently if you were to do this again?
There are four aspects of the project: 1 weather instrument per group, 1 Google Doc with research/methods/data presentation per group, 1 presentation per group (powerpoint, poster, lyrics, script, etc.), 1 individual reflection. ALL are due on Monday!
Thursday Sept. 21st
We are testing our instruments today!!
Make sure you take at least 5 measurements:
Once in the morning (before school)
Once at snack
Once at lunch
During class
Once after school
If you finish testing or have time between testing you should:
Work on the word document for your instrument (See the bullet points from yesterday)
Begin creating a final table and graph for your data. (Reference Graph and Data table documents from Sept. 12th)
Start planning your presentation. (How/What you will present)
Wednesday Sept. 20th
Today we will be constructing our weather instruments and running preliminary tests (if possible)!
Make sure your research and planning Google Doc is shared with me. Work efficiently and together. You only have today to construct your instrument.
If you complete construction before the end of class you may work on the word document that is due on Friday. Your group must turn in one shared document that includes the following:
How we constructed our weather instrument (write this using well-written, complete sentence steps as seen bellow)
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Materials we used (write this using bullets and specific measurements)
How our instrument works (write this using well-written, complete sentences in paragraph form)
Why our instrument works (write this using well-written, complete sentences in paragraph form)
How scientists use this instrument in the field (write this using well-written, complete sentences in paragraph form)
Why scientists use this instrument in the field (write this using well-written, complete sentences in paragraph form)
Monday Sept. 19th
We will be beginning work on the first project of our Weather unit today. Below are the groups and the assigned weather instrument for each to research and create.
Please review the Project Overview and Project Rubric with your group members before beginning research.
Thermometer
Group 1: Alessandro, Sydney, Stacy
Group 2: Amanda, Emerson, Mayla
Barometer
Group 1: Rachel, Bella
Group 2: Cata, Elena
Anemometer
Group 1: Dilan, Eliyah
Group 2: Grace, Kati
Windvane
Group 1: Jimena, Stefano
Group 2: Julie, Luca
Rain Gauge
Group 1: Rapha, Jean,
Group 2: Nicolle, Dani, Marissa
Each group must have the following answered and complete before class on Wednesday:
What is the purpose of your weather instrument?
How/why does it work?
Where will you need to place it (on campus) in order for it to work?
How can you build a version of your assigned instrument?
What material will you need?
Where can/will you find these materials?
Write step by step instructions for building your instrument
How will you make sure the data collect from your instrument is reliable?
If you finish early you may begin research on how and why scientists use your instrument in the field. Find an example of someone, or a group, who uses your instrument and show how it is beneficial.
Homework:
Complete and share Weather Instrument Research Google doc with me.
Bring all necessary materials to build your instrument on Wednesday!
Friday Sept. 16th
Today we will be finishing the video on sustainability we started on Wednesday. The video worksheet is due before the end of the period.
We will also be writing reflections on our Sustainability/Peace Experiments. Please follow the instructions below:
All reflections should be done in Google Docs.
Your reflection should be titled: 8_YourName_ExperimentReflection
Please fully answer the following questions in your document:
How can you meaningfully connect what you learned through this experiment to your every day life?
What was the most challenging part of this project for you?
What worked well in the design and execution of your experiment?
How could you have made this experiment even better? What would you do differently next time?
I will assign weather instruments to groups on Monday and will also discuss the project in more detail.
Homework: Finish your reflection and share the Google Doc with me.
Wednesday Sept. 14th
Due Today: Lab Reports for your personal sustainability/peace projects.
Today we brainstormed on some good questions to ask an artist who makes sculptures out of found trash. We came up with several great questions and will conduct the interview sometime next week! Stay Tuned!
We also began a video that talked about sustainability in the developing world. We will finish that video, and the questions for it, on Friday. For those that are absent here is the link: Sustainability TED Talk
Please complete the questions and turn them next time you are present at school.
No Homework!
Monday Sept. 12th
We will be looking at how to organize and present the data we collected from our experiments today. Everyone should have collected and recorded all their data by now!
Please open the following documents and follow along as we review the necessary information:
Organize data into labelled table and appropriate graph.
Analyze data and your experimental process
Complete lab report
Your Completed Lab Reports are due Wednesday September 14th at the beginning of class.
Thursday Sept. 7th
Today we practiced collecting data by exploring the campus and making observations and filling out data tables.
Homework:
Continue to work on experiment at home! Collect data, record observations, and document steps.
Wednesday Sept. 6th
Essential Question:
How can we use the scientific method to make our lives more peaceful and/or sustainable? Spark:
What is an independent variable? A dependent variable? Identify them in your experiment.
Turn in the answers for the 2 articles you read. (should be 10 answers all together)
Today in class we will be practicing our experimentation skills with the following: Virtual Lab
Homework:
Continue to work on experiment at home! Collect data, record observations, and document steps.
Share your Lab Google Doc with me.
Finish Coat Color Lab questions.
Monday Sept. 5th Essential Question:
How can we use the scientific method to make our lives more peaceful and/or sustainable? Spark:
What are the constant variables (things you'll keep the same) in your experiment? What are some variables outside of your control?
Due today:Your experimental question organizer.
Today we will look over the checklist and rubric for your personal experiment project. Both are available below:
I will continue to conference with students about their experimental question.
For class today everyone should:
Create a Google Doc titled: 8_FIRST NAME_Personal Experiment
Begin detailed design of experiment by completing the first 4 parts of the Lab Report Checklist: Question Hypothesis Material Methods
Homework:
Start your experiment. (If you haven't already) Collect data and carefully record steps/results.
Pick two of the following articles to read and answer the questions below for.
Article Questions:
1. How does this article relate to peaceful or sustainable practices?
2. What is one new thing you learned from the article?
3. What types of science(s) (biology, psychology, chemistry etc.) does the article relate to? Explain.
4. Write and define two words from the article that you were not familiar with before.
5. Did you enjoy this article? Why or why not?
Friday Sept. 2nd Essential Question: How can we use the scientific method to make our lives more peaceful and/or sustainable? Spark: What are three phrases I might Google to find useful information for the following question: How can I maintain a more positive attitude throughout the day?
We will work on finding effective phrases to Google about our question and then conduct our research.
We will also identify the qualitative and quantitative data we will collect during our experiment and then plan and describe our experiment.
Everyone should have the organizer (planning sheet) completed and turned in by the end of the period.
If you finish early you may:
Do further research on your subject.
Make the charts or tables you will use to collect data during your experiment.
Browse and read science articles from the: Teen Tribune
Thursday Sept. 1st Essential Question: How can we use the scientific method to make our lives more peaceful and/or sustainable? Spark: Identifying qualitative and quantitative data in a picture.
Today we brainstormed to come up with a good question related to peacefulness or sustainability.
We made sure that are questions were:
Related to Sustainability/Peace
Very specific
Able to be tested
Could be measured
We then started doing some initial research to find out how best to test our question.
Wednesday Aug. 31st
Today I introduced our essential question for our first theme. Essential Question: How can we use the scientific method to make our lives more peaceful and/or sustainable?
We responded and discussed the following spark. Spark: Write down and define all the words you know that are related to the scientific method.
We also, reviewed the steps of the scientific method and there correct order:
Ask a question Research Design an Experiment Hypothesis Test Experiment Collect Data Analyze Data Draw Conclusion
Then we looked at the two types of data you can collect during an experiment: Qualitative: Can not be measured exactly, more about feelings and senses (Colors, Emotions, General observations etc.) Quantitative: Data that can be measured with numbers. (Temperature, time, length etc.)
Monday Aug. 29th Welcome back and welcome to 8th grade science! Spark Question: What are some jobs directly related to science?
Today we will talk about what to expect this year in science.
We will also explore how science relates to different parts of our lives. We will be brainstorming how science is used in:
Welcome to 8th Grade Science
Mr. Jeremyjrasik@lapazschool.org
Phone: 8449-7003
Class syllabus:
Monday June 26th
All Star Stories should be turned in to me by now.
Today we will be exploring information about black holes.
Please refer to the follow links for our class reading/discussion:
MYSTERIES OF A BLACK HOLE
&
Anatomy of a Black Hole - Interactive
Friday June 23rd
Today is your last day to work on your star stories!
Remember you must turn in 3 pieces by the end of the class:
All stories are due by the end of the period.
Wednesday June 21st
Today in science we will be workshopping our first drafts of our star stories. You will be working with another group read and reviewing their story to make sure it meets all requirements
You should:
Monday June 19th
For science today you should be focused on your first draft of your star story.
Make sure you:
I am extending the rough draft deadline to the beginning of class this Wednesday 6/21.
Please make sure you come to class with a completed first draft of your story.
Thursday June 15th
We will continue working on our Star Stories today.
We will look at a good example of how to build a story and then I will be meeting with groups individually to discuss your pitches from yesterday.
Wednesday June 14th
In science today you will continue to plan/work on your star stories.
The formal proposal for your project is due today:
By the end of the day you must share with me a one paragraph (at least) "pitch" for your project
Monday June 12th
Today in science we will be:
By the end of the period I need a piece of paper with the following information from each group:
Friday June 9th
For science today we will begin by completing the "Star in a box" activity we started yesterday.
If you finish early please choose one of the following links to explore:
Big History - History of the Cosmos
NASA plans to "Touch the Sun"
Weighing a Star
We will then look over our final project!
Here is the project sheet:
And here are some stars to choose from:
Thursday June 8th
Today in science we will:
Finish our notes from yesterday.
Complete an activity on the following star simulation:
Star in a Box
Wednesday June 7th
Today in science we will be performing our star stage skits from Monday.
We will also be looking deeper into the each stages of a star and the factors that determine how they will develop.
You may also explore this link to help with your notes:
Life Cycle of a Star
For homework please read over and the watch the videos from the Star Formation section of the Big History link:
Be prepared to discuss the information covered during class tomorrow.
Friday June 2nd
In science today we will continue our discussion on the Big Bang.
We will perform a skit to help further explain some of the concepts we've discussed.
We will discuss the reading from last night and if we have time we will also look at some alternative theories to the big bang as well.
Thursday June 1st
For science today we will:
Remember to use the following link for our timeline:
NOVA Origins of the Universe
Here is a copy of our script for today:
Homework: Please read and watch all videos from this link up to (but not including) star formation:
Also, complete the questions from this PDF in your notebook:
Wednesday May 31st
Today in science we will continue to discuss the big bang theory and look at how the universe was formed.
We will be using the following images and links to help us visualize this theory.
First here is an image to help us understand the size of the universe we are talking about:
Earth vs. Universe
Then we use this image and the following links to explore the big bang theory:
Link one - for class OPEN FIRST:
Link two - open only after we've finished our activity and notes:
If we have time we will look at some alternative theories together using the image below:
Wednesday May 25th
For science today we will be conducting a scavenger hunt on campus to find some of the different categories of energy we've been looking at.
If you are your partner finish early please open the following link and select an article on energy to read.
ENERGY TRANSFORMATION ARTICLES
For the article you pick on a loose sheet of paper :
Monday May 22nd
Today in science we will be continuing our look into classifications of energy and how it can be converted from one form to another.
We will be working with the following virtual lab:
ENERGY CONVERSION
Please complete the handout in class using the activity in the link.
All Lab Analysis' for your solar thermal heaters are due tonight (5/22) before 11:00 p.m.
Friday May 19th
For science today we will be:
Below is the link you will need to complete today's assignment:
Wednesday May 17th
In science today we will continue with our data analysis from your solar thermal heaters.
You will be completing your graphs on Spreadsheets. These should include:
All documents (Google Doc and Spreadsheet) need to be shared with me by the end of the period.
We will also begin your individual Comparative Analysis and Reflection.
Here is the outline for what needs to be included:
Monday May 15th
Today in science we will be:
For the museum presentations your group should cover:
All other groups should be taking notes on each presentation to use for their comparative study that we will be doing throughout the week.
Thursday May 11th
Today in science we will look more closely at your thermal solar designs.
Keep in mind RWAR:
R - Reflection
M - Magnify
A - Absorb
R - Retain
Then we will look at how to use passive solar design for homes:
Wednesday May 10th
Everyone's Persuasive Argument document should be shared with me by now.
Today for science you will have the opportunity to:
We will conduct the official test (if we have sun) during class tomorrow.
Monday May 8th
For science today you will be working on constructing your Thermal Solar Heaters and drafting your individual persuasive arguments for your design.
We will begin testing (sun permitting) this Wednesday May 10th,
Your persuasive argument on why your design is the best is also due at the beginning of class on Wednesday (Individual).
Your argument should include:
These should be written in a Google Doc and shared with me before class on Wednesday May 10th.
Friday May 5th
For science today we will be finishing our Thermal Solar Heater designs and writing a hypothesis on how and why it will work.
Due at the end of the period:
Blueprint of Thermal Solar Heater design:
Hypothesis:
These should be handed in as a physical copy with each group members' name on it by the end of class.
Thursday May 4th
Today in science:
We will have a mini-quiz on the energy sources we learned about during our presentations
Then we will review what makes a good hypothesis.
And you will have the end of the period to work on the your research and design for your Solar Thermal Water Heaters.
Wednesday May 3rd
For science today we will be:
Please take notes as we go over solar thermal energy design.
Below is the project sheet for our thermal solar project:
Friday April 28th
Today we will be finishing our presentations on our energy sources.
Remember to take good notes and use your note taking strategies:
You should be focusing on: The how (does the energy sources work), the where (where can we find the energy), and the why (do we need it? why is it a reliable or non-reliable source?)
Thursday April 27th
You will be presenting your information on your energy sources today during class.
Everyone will have the first 15 minutes of class to finalize their presentations. Please make sure you can connect at least one of your members' computers to the projector if you need it.
We will have a quiz on the information covered in these presentations next week so make sure you take good notes!
Wednesday April 26th
Today is your last day to work on creating your group presentations for your energy source.
By now you should have:
Today should be spent finishing your visuals, scripts, etc. for your presentation and practicing with your group.
Monday April 24th
Everyone should have their individual questions/works cited shared with me at this point.
Today in science you will be working with your groups (the students who had the same energy source as you) to plan and create your presentations
As you are planning/preparing your presentation I challenge you to try something new. If you normally do a Google slide or Prezi try getting more creative by doing a skit, making a video, or finding a new online program to present your information with.
Browse some of these new presentation tools for ideas:
ONLINE PRESENTATION TOOLS
Use your individual question answers as a guide, but DO NOT simply present each answer for your presentation. You should take that information and make a presentation that naturally covers that information.
Friday April 21st
During science today:
Thursday April 20th
Today in science you will be working to finish your individual research on the energy source you were assigned.
Remember you must:
These questions are the minimum requirement. You may also include any additional information you find that would be relevant to include in your presentation.
Wednesday April 19th
For science today we will be starting our new energy theme.
We will be talking about what energy is and the many different types of energies.
Once we have completed our notes you will begin researching your assigned energy and will start to answer your individual questions.
Below is the sheet for the introduction mini-project, the rubric, and the energy assignments:
Ale - Coal
Amanda- Natural Gas
Bella- Petroleum
Cata- Wind
Dilan - Solar
Elena - Geothermal
Eliya - Biomass
Emerson - Hydroelectric
Grace - Nuclear
Jimena - Coal
Julie - Natural Gas
Kati - Petroleum
Luca - Wind
Marissa - Solar
Mayla - Geothermal
Jean- Biomass
Nicolle - Coal
Dani - Natural Gas
Rachel - Nuclear
Rafa - Petroleum
Stacy - Hydroelectric
Fano - Wind
Sydney - Biomass
Monday March 20th
Today in science you will be researching a disease that affects the circulatory and respiratory system.
This is individual work:
You will pick ONE of the following diseases to research:
For the disease you pick, please create a Google Doc that includes the following information:
All of your information needs to be in your own words. Any document with copy & pasted material will receive a zero!
Please also include a list of your source as part of your document (does not need to be in MLA)
If you somehow finish early you may use the remainder of the period to work on your portfolio.
Friday March 17th
For science today you will have a work day. You may decide to focus on:
Thursday March 16th
Today we will be presenting our lesson plans to the third grade!
Thursday March 9th
Today in science you will begin research on a topic to the circulatory/respiratory system. Your goal is to teach your topic to the 3rd grade class next week. Below is the assignment sheet with the details and calendar:
The topics and group assignments are as follows:
Heart- Luca, Eliya, Marissa, Julie
Lungs- Cata, Kati, Stacy, Jimena
Blood Vessels- Jean, Nicolle, Dilan, Amanda
Gas Exchange- Bella, Grace, Rachel, Elena
Gas Transportation- Dani, Fano, Ale
Blood- Emerson, Mayla, Sydney
Your main goals for today should be to:
Here are some links to help you in your research:
https://human.biodigital.com/
http://www.kscience.co.uk/animations/heart.htm
http://activities.macmillanmh.com/science/ca/scienceinmotion/Common/SIM.html?Module=../Grade5/Chapter3-CirculationAndRespiration/
http://www.goldridge08.com/flash/carvas.swf
https://ethemes.missouri.edu/themes/810
http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-body/lungs-article.html
You may also use any of the sites we have looked at over the last couple of weeks.
Monday March 6th
To start class today we will work on finishing up our blood pressure labs from Friday.
Please work to you best ability to finish the lab quickly but completely.
We will then take a more in depth look at the lungs, capillaries, and the process of diffusion.
Please refer to the following links for the information necessary for today's class:
Pages 3-5 & 9-11 of this website:
LUNGS, CAPILLARIES, AND EXCHANGE
We will also be refering to these images during class:
CAPILLARY NETWORKS
&
ALVEOLI/CAPILLARY RELATIONSHIP
Friday March 3rd
Today in science:
ALL CIRCULATORY STORIES SHOULD BE SHARED WITH ME.
Today we will be looking deeper at what elements can affect the health of our circulatory system.
The easiest measurement of the circulatory system's health is blood pressure.
When our blood pressure is too high it is called hypertension, which can cause all kinds of problems in the body.
We will be completing the following lab in order to better understand blood pressure and what might affect it.
BLOOD PRESSURE LAB
Please open the link and follow instructions in order to complete the lab.
Wednesday March 1st
Monday Feb. 27th
For science today we will be looking over our sheets on the circulatory and respiration systems together.
We will then begin on a mini project to better help us visualize the movement of our blood, oxygen, and carbon dioxide through the body.
Instructions for this project can be found on the hand out from class and the document below:
Here are a few example of what your story might look like:
Comic strip (incomplete): Red Blood Cell Comic
Short Story (complete): Voyage of the Red Blood Cell
You will have most of the period today and Wednesday to work on your stories.
The final product will be due this Thursday: March 2nd.
Friday Feb. 24th
In science today we are going to continue our exploration into the circulatory and respiration systems of the human body.
Please explore the following link individually:
BODY SYSTEMS!
Thursday Feb. 23rd
Today we will be taking a look into the heart and lungs.
We will model how large the lungs surface area is: 100 square meters!
We will also talk further about how the heart and lungs interact.
Wednesday Feb 22nd
Due today:
ALL CALL TO ACTION LETTERS & SANTA ROSA REFLECTIONS SHOULD BE SHARED TO ME.
We will be using the first part of our science block to take our class pictures. All forms and money need to be submitted to me at the beginning of class.
For the second half of the period we will look at an introduction to the heart.
We will take our heart beats to find our BPM.
Once you have your BPM open the following link and click through the interactive activity and take notes:
INTERACTIVE HEART ACTIVITY
Your notes should include:
Monday Feb. 20th
In science class today we will be:
Please follow this link and make a copy of the document to reflect on our field trip:
SANTA ROSA REFLECTION
Here is the word document with the correct format for your letter. Please open as a reference and follow along as we discuss in class:
Final draft of your "Call to Action" letter due this Wednesday Feb. 20th at the beginning of the period.
Wednesday Feb. 8th
Today in science we will be focusing on our "Call to Action" letters.
Here are the steps you should be following for today:
I will continue conferencing with students about their outline as you work on your research.
Homework: Complete Call to Action letter outline (organizer) and write Intro paragraph for your draft.
Monday Feb. 6th
For science today we will be working on our practice persuasive paragraphs. Please be sure to read the sample letter and required format from Fridays post before beginning. You will pick you topic, from the list below or think of your own. Every one's practice persuasive letter should have at least 7 sentences (see format below).
If you finish your letter early, or have already written it, you should continue to work on your call to action ecosystem letter outline after conferencing with me.
Once you have your outline approved by me you may begin the first draft of your letter.
Homework: Complete your persuasive letter for your school topic following the required format. Share with me before class on Wednesday.
Friday Feb. 3rd
Today we will continue our ecosystem project presentations:
We will hear presentations from:
Please be sure to give each group your full attention and continue to fill out your grading sheets.
Make sure you have shared your documents and/or physical items of your project with me.
Once you have completed your reflection look over the following prompts and choose one to write a persuasive paragraph about:
I would like for you to write your letter in a Google doc titled 8YourName Persuasive Letter
Below is the format and a good example letter. Please follow this same format in your letter:
Top right: Address of sender
Top left: Address of recipient
Dedication line: (Dear ........, )
Sentence 1: Introduce yourself.
Sentence 2: Introduce your topic and your opinion on topic.
Sentence 3: Give a reason for your topic.
Sentence 4: Explain your opinion
Sentence 5: Give another reason for your topic.
Sentence 6: Provide supporting examples (other opinions or people that agree/did something similar)
Sentence 7: Ask for action.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Thursday Feb. 2nd
ECOSYSTEM PRESENTATIONS!
Today you will presenting our ecosystem presentations.
The order we will present in is as follows:
Please remember to speak slowly and clearly, have each group member contribute, be detailed, and maintain a good pace during your presentations.
Friday Jan. 25th
Today in science we will be looking at parts of a sample "Call to Action" letter to prepare for writing our own letters next week.
You will be divided into groups and each given a portion of a sample letter.
If you have sample A-D you will be answering:
If you have sample E you will be answering:
Assign groups:
Wednesday Jan. 24th
Today we will be looking into pollution and threats to ecosystems and the animals that can help tell us how healthy an ecosystem is.
You will complete this lab and the questions that accompany it for the beginning of class:
INDICATOR SPECIES
If you finish early and have time to work on your projects you should take a look at the following checklist to make sure your group is on track:
Should be done:
Should be finishing up:
Starting to focus on:
Monday Jan. 23rd
In science today we will be continuing on our research for our ecosystem project.
You should be finishing up your research on plants and animals and moving on to building your food web today. Remember your food web needs to include at least 3 food chains with at least 4 levels.
Please work efficiently and make sure you are communicating with any absent group members (or the other way around) to make sure they are continuing to do their part.
Friday Jan. 20th
Today in science:
Thursday Jan. 19th
Today in science will have the day to work on you ecosystem projects.
Your groups should be done with the climate and map aspect of the project by now.
Today you should be working on:
Wednesday Jan. 18th
For science today we are going to be doing a little more practice with food chains through a virtual lab.
Here is the link for the lab:
FOOD CHAIN VIRTUAL LAB
Please refer to the class instructions and hand out to help you understand the lab.
If you finish early you may spend the remainder of the period doing research for your ecosystem projects.
Monday Jan. 16th
Today we will spend the majority of class working on your group projects. For today you should:
Friday Jan, 13th
In science today we will be looking at the concept of keystone species and learning how to identify whether a species is a keystone in an ecosystem.
Please read the following article and refer to the food webs below for the class activity:
Sea Otters & Keystone Species
Thursday Jan. 12th
Today in science we will begin looking over the multi-part project you will be doing for our Ecosystem unit.
Here is the outline of the project:
And the rubric:
Once we cover the requirements for the project and decide groups you should use the rest of the period completing the research for the first part of the project:
Wednesday Jan. 11th
For science today we will be looking over a few of the food chains we created last period and discussing them.
We will also work to create one giant food web for the African Savanna together.
Please open the following document and research you assigned species from the list below:
Species Assignments:
Ale - Grass, Warthog
Amanda- Jackalberry Tree, Cattle
Bella- Acacia tree, Zebra
Cata- Warthog, Impala
Dilan - Cattle, Elephant
Elena - Zebra, Giraffe
Eliya - Impala, Hyena
Emerson - Elephant, Leopard
Grace - Giraffe, Lion
Jimena - Hyena, Human (Maasai tribe)
Julie - Leopard, Aardvark
Kati - Lion, Red-billed Oxpecker
Luca - Human (Massai Tribe), Termite/Termite Mound
Marissa - Aardvark, Bacteria
Mayla - Red-billed Oxpecker, Fungi
Jean- Termite/Termite Mound, White-backed Vulture
Nicolle - Bacteria, Aardvark
Dani - Fungi, Warthog
Rafa - White-backed Vulture, Lion
Stacy - Grass, Hyena
Fano - Jackalberry Tree, Red-billed Oxpecker
Sydney - Acacia Tree, Aardvark
Your species card should include:
Monday Jan. 9th
Today in science we will continue our discussion of certain animals roles in an ecosystem by examining the ecosystem of the African Savannah.
Please read the following PDF and take notes:
You notes should include the definitions of the following terms:
One you have completed your notes. You should begin a sketch of the African Savanna Ecosystem that includes:
If you finish early look over the following extended list of African Savanna species and begin thinking of how they might fit into a more complex food web:
Wednesday Jan. 4th
Today in science we will be begin looking into ecosystems!
Spark: What is an eco-system? What are some examples?
We will look at several types of ecosystems and discuss what some key aspects of an ecosystem are.
In groups you will complete a scavenger hunt around campus to identify parts of our surrounding ecosystem.
Wednesday Nov. 30th
Today is performance day for your songs! Each group will perform their rewritten song for the class.
After the performances if we still have time we will explore the following link:
MOLECULARIUM
Monday Nov. 21st
Today we will start our last project of the trimester. Please refer to the handout for details and requirements.
I will also provide a wonderful example for you of a successful presentation.
Friday Nov. 18th
This week we have been focused on the two types of bonding that can occur between two or more atoms:
Covalent & Ionic bonds.
Today we will review our speed dating bonding activity from yesterday and look at how to better express bonds between atoms.
If you finish our classwork early you may explore the following link:
Friday Nov. 11th
Today we will finish the last element presentation. We will then begin looking into covalent bonding.
Please refer to the link below in order to complete the handout for class.
COVALENT BOND TUTORIAL
Monday Nov. 7th
We will be exploring some individual elements from the Periodic Table in more depth today.
Please look at the periodic table below and find an element that is used in your name.
Example: Mr. JeRemy
Re - Rhenium
For the element you pick use this website to gather information about your element:
LIVE PERIODIC TABLE
In a Google Doc Titled: "8 Your Name Element"
Include the following:
Be creative and make them look nice. You will be sharing your elements with the rest of the class.
Thursday Nov. 3rd
All groups will be presenting their brochures today. Please be sure to review the presentation rubric one more time before we begin.
The order we will present is:
Monday Oct. 31st
Final day to work on brochures in class.
Whatever you do not finished needs to be done for homework.
Your final brochures and works cited page are due on Wednesday when class starts!
If you used information from the movie: Se Quema El Cielo that we've been watching in class here is the MLA citation:
Se quema el cielo (The Sky is Burning). Dir. Luciano Capelli. Ojala Films, 2010. Film.
Thursday Oct. 27th
Today a draft of your brochure is due!
We will watch a little bit of the Santa Rosa documentary and then you will have the rest of class to finish the first draft of your brochure.
Wednesday Oct. 26th
We will start the period taking looking at 3 different types of the brochures and discussing what makes them effective.
We will also continue to watch the documentary about Santa Rosa and you will have the rest of the period to work on your brochures.
Monday Oct. 24th
Today you will be continuing the research for your Santa Rosa brochures. Please keep in mind the following:
Here are some examples of informative and appealing brochures:
EXAMPLE 1
EXAMPLE 2
EXAMPLE 3
Friday Oct. 21st
We will be doing research today about our Santa Rosa topics for our brochures in groups. Please use your time wisely and make sure you are collecting reliable and relevant information.
Remember this is your main day to research. Also, you need AT LEAST one EBSCO source.
Thursday Oct. 20th
Today we will be looking at the details of the Santa Rosa project that we will be completing in the next couple of weeks.
Please review the Project Overview and Rubric below:
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
RUBRIC:
The groups and categories for the Santa Rosa Project are:
Conservation History- Bella, Dilan, Kati
Insects- Emerson, Marissa, Stacy
Trees- Amanda, Elena, Jean
Reptiles/Amphibians- Ale, Eliya, Rapha
Landforms- Cata, Luca, Rachel
Weather/Climate- Grace, Jimena, Nicolle, Sydney
Mammals- Julie, Mayla, Daniel, Stefano
Wednesday Oct. 19th
Today we are going to be practicing and performing the wind and temperature dances that we started on Friday.
Each group should perform and make sure their dance is at least 1 minute. Be Creative!
We will also begin looking at our next project based around the Santa Rosa National Park.
Thursday Oct. 14th
We will start class today by finishing the video we watched on Wednesday and completing our notes. We will also be working on a virtual lab.
The link for the lab is below:
ATMOSPHERE VIRTUAL LAB
Tuesday Oct. 12th
Today we will be conducting the interview with the artist who makes sustainable sculptures in order to raise awareness about pollution.
Below is the list of question we came up with and the person assigned to ask each one.
Please take notes during the interview and be prepared to discuss afterwards.
Thursday Oct. 6th
Today we will be reviewing the hurricane investigation we did on yesterday. We will then look into the causes and effects of climate change.
Below is a basic virtual climate model we will be using during class:
CLIMATE MODEL
You have choice of these articles and five response questions to answer. Please choose 2 articles to read and answer the questions for both:
Bee's Tongues Shorten Due to Climate Change
Antarctic Ice Melting Faster Than Expected
Warmer Temps Are New Normal
Kids Take Stand for Climate Change
Climate Change and Culture Change
1. Is this article related to the causes or the effects of climate change, or both? Explain why.
2. What is one new thing you learned from the article?
3. What type of climate zone(s) would be most effected by the issues discussed in the article? Why?
4. Write and define two words from the article that you were not familiar with before.
5. Did you enjoy this article? Why or why not?
Wednesday Oct. 5th
HURRICANES!
We will be looking at the conditions that create a hurricane, how hurricanes collect and maintain their power, and the effects that they can have.
Below is a sheet with some facts about hurricanes:
Use this sheet and the live map to help answer the questions on your handout.
Here is the link the Live Map I will be referencing during class: LIVE WEATHER MAP
Monday Oct. 3rd
Today we will review all of the major factors that contribute to a region's climate.
Below is the powerpoint from class for your reference.
Homework:
Compare and contrast the two cities you chose on the same latitude from your World Weather assignment.
On you World Weather Google Doc.
Friday Sept. 30th
Instructions for World Map Assignment:
Create a new Google Doc and title it: 8_YourName_WorldWeather
Share the Google Doc with me.
WORLD MAP
Use the World Map link and choose:
For each city put the following information in your Google Doc:
If you finish early:
Use this interactive map Climate Connections Map to find an article related to climate near the region of your chosen cities.
Thursday Sept. 29th
Today we will be working on the activities below to further explore the concepts of Climate, Weather, and Geography:
Please write your answers on a separate sheet of paper that you are able to turn in.
Climate Map of Europe
When you complete the weather and climate activity open this link : WORLD MAP
Instructions for World Map Assignment:
Create a new Google Doc and title it: 8_YourName_WorldWeather
Share the Google Doc with me.
Use the World Map link and choose:
For each city put the following information in your Google Doc:
Wednesday Sept. 28th
Today we will finish the presentations for our weather instruments.
Once everyone has completed their presentations you and your group member(s) will compare the data you collected with your instrument with the meteorologists data on Weather Underground
You will:
Homework: Please complete the assignment we started in class. Compare your data with Weather Underground data and add it to your reflection.
Monday Sept. 26th
Presentation Day!
All groups should have turned in or shared the following:
You will have the first 10 minutes of class to prepare/practice your presentations.
We will then begin presenting in the following order.
Friday Sept. 22nd
Today you will be working on finishing your Google doc, your table & graph and planning/practicing your presentation for Monday.
Your presentation may be:
All presentations should include:
You will also turn in one individual reflection per group member (everyone will answer these questions, and turn it in to me using well-written, complete sentences in paragraph form, making sure to answer all the questions):
Reflect on the process of making your instrument.
There are four aspects of the project: 1 weather instrument per group, 1 Google Doc with research/methods/data presentation per group, 1 presentation per group (powerpoint, poster, lyrics, script, etc.), 1 individual reflection. ALL are due on Monday!
Rubrics:
Overall Project:
Presentation:
Thursday Sept. 21st
We are testing our instruments today!!
Make sure you take at least 5 measurements:
If you finish testing or have time between testing you should:
Wednesday Sept. 20th
Today we will be constructing our weather instruments and running preliminary tests (if possible)!
Make sure your research and planning Google Doc is shared with me.
Work efficiently and together. You only have today to construct your instrument.
If you complete construction before the end of class you may work on the word document that is due on Friday.
Your group must turn in one shared document that includes the following:
Monday Sept. 19th
We will be beginning work on the first project of our Weather unit today. Below are the groups and the assigned weather instrument for each to research and create.
Please review the Project Overview and Project Rubric with your group members before beginning research.
Thermometer
- Group 1: Alessandro, Sydney, Stacy
- Group 2: Amanda, Emerson, Mayla
Barometer- Group 1: Rachel, Bella
- Group 2: Cata, Elena
Anemometer- Group 1: Dilan, Eliyah
- Group 2: Grace, Kati
Windvane- Group 1: Jimena, Stefano
- Group 2: Julie, Luca
Rain GaugeEach group must have the following answered and complete before class on Wednesday:
If you finish early you may begin research on how and why scientists use your instrument in the field. Find an example of someone, or a group, who uses your instrument and show how it is beneficial.
Homework:
Friday Sept. 16th
Today we will be finishing the video on sustainability we started on Wednesday. The video worksheet is due before the end of the period.
We will also be writing reflections on our Sustainability/Peace Experiments. Please follow the instructions below:
All reflections should be done in Google Docs.
Your reflection should be titled: 8_YourName_ExperimentReflection
Please fully answer the following questions in your document:
Please share all reflections to me before the end of class: Jrasik@lapazschool.org
Below is a preview of the project we will begin working on next week as a jump off for our meteorology unit:
Project Overview:
Project Rubric:
I will assign weather instruments to groups on Monday and will also discuss the project in more detail.
Homework: Finish your reflection and share the Google Doc with me.
Wednesday Sept. 14th
Due Today: Lab Reports for your personal sustainability/peace projects.
Today we brainstormed on some good questions to ask an artist who makes sculptures out of found trash. We came up with several great questions and will conduct the interview sometime next week! Stay Tuned!
We also began a video that talked about sustainability in the developing world. We will finish that video, and the questions for it, on Friday. For those that are absent here is the link: Sustainability TED Talk
Please complete the questions and turn them next time you are present at school.
No Homework!
Monday Sept. 12th
We will be looking at how to organize and present the data we collected from our experiments today.
Everyone should have collected and recorded all their data by now!
Please open the following documents and follow along as we review the necessary information:
Data Organization Powerpoint:
Graph types and parts:
Homework:
Your Completed Lab Reports are due Wednesday September 14th at the beginning of class.
Thursday Sept. 7th
Today we practiced collecting data by exploring the campus and making observations and filling out data tables.
Homework:
Wednesday Sept. 6th
Essential Question:
How can we use the scientific method to make our lives more peaceful and/or sustainable?
Spark:
What is an independent variable? A dependent variable? Identify them in your experiment.
Due today:
Today in class we will be practicing our experimentation skills with the following: Virtual Lab
Homework:
Monday Sept. 5th
Essential Question:
How can we use the scientific method to make our lives more peaceful and/or sustainable?
Spark:
What are the constant variables (things you'll keep the same) in your experiment? What are some variables outside of your control?
Due today: Your experimental question organizer.
Today we will look over the checklist and rubric for your personal experiment project. Both are available below:
I will continue to conference with students about their experimental question.
For class today everyone should:
Create a Google Doc titled: 8_FIRST NAME_Personal Experiment
Begin detailed design of experiment by completing the first 4 parts of the Lab Report Checklist:
Question
Hypothesis
Material
Methods
Homework:
Start your experiment. (If you haven't already) Collect data and carefully record steps/results.
Pick two of the following articles to read and answer the questions below for.
Food Waste = Water Waste
Nature Makes People More Generous
Beach Trash Become Art
How Color Affects Our Moods
Article Questions:
1. How does this article relate to peaceful or sustainable practices?
2. What is one new thing you learned from the article?
3. What types of science(s) (biology, psychology, chemistry etc.) does the article relate to? Explain.
4. Write and define two words from the article that you were not familiar with before.
5. Did you enjoy this article? Why or why not?
Friday Sept. 2nd
Essential Question: How can we use the scientific method to make our lives more peaceful and/or sustainable?
Spark: What are three phrases I might Google to find useful information for the following question: How can I maintain a more positive attitude throughout the day?
We will work on finding effective phrases to Google about our question and then conduct our research.
We will also identify the qualitative and quantitative data we will collect during our experiment and then plan and describe our experiment.
Everyone should have the organizer (planning sheet) completed and turned in by the end of the period.
If you finish early you may:
Do further research on your subject.
Make the charts or tables you will use to collect data during your experiment.
Browse and read science articles from the: Teen Tribune
Thursday Sept. 1st
Essential Question: How can we use the scientific method to make our lives more peaceful and/or sustainable?
Spark: Identifying qualitative and quantitative data in a picture.
Today we brainstormed to come up with a good question related to peacefulness or sustainability.
We made sure that are questions were:
Related to Sustainability/Peace
Very specific
Able to be tested
Could be measured
We then started doing some initial research to find out how best to test our question.
Wednesday Aug. 31st
Today I introduced our essential question for our first theme.
Essential Question: How can we use the scientific method to make our lives more peaceful and/or sustainable?
We responded and discussed the following spark.
Spark: Write down and define all the words you know that are related to the scientific method.
We also, reviewed the steps of the scientific method and there correct order:
Ask a question
Research
Design an Experiment
Hypothesis
Test Experiment
Collect Data
Analyze Data
Draw Conclusion
Then we looked at the two types of data you can collect during an experiment:
Qualitative: Can not be measured exactly, more about feelings and senses (Colors, Emotions, General observations etc.)
Quantitative: Data that can be measured with numbers. (Temperature, time, length etc.)
Monday Aug. 29th
Welcome back and welcome to 8th grade science!
Spark Question: What are some jobs directly related to science?
Today we will talk about what to expect this year in science.
We will also explore how science relates to different parts of our lives. We will be brainstorming how science is used in:
Soccer
Music/Dance
Surfing
Technology
Foo
Ale - Grass, Warthog
Amanda- Jackalberry Tree, Cattle
Bella- Acacia tree, Zebra
Cata- Warthog, Impala
Dilan - Cattle, Elephant
Elena - Zebra, Giraffe
Eliya - Impala, Hyena
Emerson - Elephant, Leopard
Grace - Giraffe, Lion
Jimena - Hyena, Human (Maasai tribe)
Julie - Leopard, Aardvark
Kati - Lion, Red-billed Oxpecker
Luca - Human (Massai Tribe), Termite/Termite Mound
Marissa - Aardvark, Bacteria
Mayla - Red-billed Oxpecker, Fungi
Jean- Termite/Termite Mound, White-backed Vulture
Nicolle - Bacteria, Aardvark
Dani - Fungi, Warthog
Rafa - White-backed Vulture, Lion
Stacy - Grass, Hyena
Fano - Jackalberry Tree, Red-billed Oxpecker
Sydney - Acacia Tree, Aardvark